Where do I go from here?

[LindaLooUK]

Many moons ago (i.e. the 80s and 90s) I was into hifi and over the years bought various separates. I've not listened to music via my hifi half as much as I used to and I'm thinking I should consider something more suited to today's streaming services (Tidal in particular). My current system comprises:

Audiolab 8000A integrated amp (1992)
Meridian 508 20-bit CD player (1997)
Quad 12L speakers (2007 - I think)

I also own an Astell & Kern KANN which I bought on something of a whim in 2019 but I've barely used it.

I could probably do with buying a new amp anyway as it had a bit of a flakey turn recently as nothing was coming out of the right speaker channel. I took the top off the amp and used some compressed air on the inner speaker terminals and that seems to have done the trick although it could be that just the act of opening up the case might've been sufficient to remedy a faulty connection.

Anyway, I'd like a fairly simple system as my days of obsessive tinkering are behind me - I can't be a**ed tbh!! So, would it be a good idea to go with an integrated amp/streamer? I know they're not for the purists but I honestly don't mind. I think some of the aforementioned also include a CD player but I don't know if that would sacrifice too much sound quality. My Meridian was good in its day but I don't know how it would hold up against modern CD players.

I don't mind spending about £2K to £3K overall (I shall probably keep the speakers) but don't want to waste money on having something 'tasty' if something cheaper would get the job done just as well.

If you have any specific or general suggestions or observations I'd be very pleased to hear them.

Thanks guys. 🙂

 

[RoA]

Many moons ago (i.e. the 80s and 90s) I was into hifi and over the years bought various separates. I've not listened to music via my hifi half as much as I used to and I'm thinking I should consider something more suited to today's streaming services (Tidal in particular). My current system comprises:

Audiolab 8000A integrated amp (1992)
Meridian 508 20-bit CD player (1997)
Quad 12L speakers (2007 - I think)

I also own an Astell & Kern KANN which I bought on something of a whim in 2019 but I've barely used it.

I could probably do with buying a new amp anyway as it had a bit of a flakey turn recently as nothing was coming out of the right speaker channel. I took the top off the amp and used some compressed air on the inner speaker terminals and that seems to have done the trick although it could be that just the act of opening up the case might've been sufficient to remedy a faulty connection.

Anyway, I'd like a fairly simple system as my days of obsessive tinkering are behind me - I can't be a**ed tbh!! So, would it be a good idea to go with an integrated amp/streamer? I know they're not for the purists but I honestly don't mind. I think some of the aforementioned also include a CD player but I don't know if that would sacrifice too much sound quality. My Meridian was good in its day but I don't know how it would hold up against modern CD players.

I don't mind spending about £2K to £3K overall (I shall probably keep the speakers) but don't want to waste money on having something 'tasty' if something cheaper would get the job done just as well.

If you have any specific or general suggestions or observations I'd be very pleased to hear them.

Thanks guys. 🙂

Why not. However, something like a WiiM streamer with it's well thought out operating system could give you more flexibility (room correction/EQ) than some built in options. They (WiiM) also do streaming amplifiers I believe though I have no idea how their amplifiers sections stack up.

 

[skinnypuppy71]

If the meridian is still in good order, then I think a nice all in one system could be what you're looking for, obviously you are used to a certain quality of sound quality, I used to lust after that meridian player back in the day and I remember What hi-fi were very fond of those Quads.
Audiolab's own Omnia is a good proposition although it has its own cd player built in, but that could be a plus for you as you could by-pass that and plug your meridian into the Rca of the omnia until it bites the dust, then you can use the onboard cd unit.
Obviously there are other good all in one systems from the likes of Cambridge audio, Naim, Arcam, Even the higher end is at it these days with Electrocompaniet's Eci 6dx mkii if you have 7k to spare,..but all of the all in ones have line level inputs for the cd player or you can even plug in the digital out from the meridian into any all in one and try the dac section of whatever you went for....if it were me...I'd try out a Naim uniti star or the uniti Nova...although that option would probably have to be a pre owned unit,which I would not have a problem with, with a Naim product, highly dependable products.
Although the Wiim products are exceptional value for money, they have there limitations and I think you're current amplifier/cd player and speakers are above what they offer in terms of sound quality....and yes I've own /owned a couple of their products.

 

[nopiano]

Your Meridian CD player is as good as anything affordable today, as long as it’s still working ok. If I recall correctly, the transports are no longer made, so if it fails it’s a door stop!

Streaming amplifiers are a ‘thing’ now. So are separates, rather like you owned, just more up to date. Are you within travelling distance of any Hifi shops? The big chains, like Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks, or an independent? Worth seeing physically what is around, to narrow the field. Otherwise, it’s a bit like asking what book should I read on holiday, and getting recommendations of what others own already.

Audiolab and Quad are still in business.

Welcome to the WHF forum!

 

[Jasonovich]

@nopiano is right, you should keep the Meridan CD player and it will save you on the cost. @Revolutions has a Linn integrated solution, good idea to touch base with him. He may provide some positive feedback on the product.

In terms of integrated amp streamer, three other models come to mind.
I think it is worth investigating, there's the Hegel and the Arcam and the Primare - see link below.

The Hegel cheapest of the three £1,500.00, the Primare might be a little over your budget but if you can stretch it has excellent connectivity, there is also a Bluetooth model if you need it.

Hegel H95 Integrated Amplifier

Power output: 60W into 8 Ohms. Spotify, UPnP and Apple AirPlay supported. Patented SoundEngine 2 technology reduces signal distortion. 6.35mm headphone output. The amp is software upgradeable.

premiumsound.co.uk

Arcam SA35 Streaming Integrated Amplifier - Black

The ARCAM SA35 is a sophisticated music streaming system designed in Cambridge, UK, featuring a digital audio platform, linear toroidal power supply, user interface, and app.

petertyson.co.uk

Primare I25 Prisma Integrated Streaming Amplifier - Black

The I25 Prisma DM36 is a versatile control and power centre that combines the DM36 digital to analogue conversion module and SM35 Prisma network player module.

petertyson.co.uk

PS.
I believe Peter Tyson also have the Primare cheaper model - below, which might suit your budget.

Primare I15 Prisma MK2 Integrated Streaming Amplifier - Black

The I15 Prisma MK2 is a highly acclaimed integrated amplifier and network player, offering exceptional power, Prisma music streaming, and multi-room/multi-zone functionality.

petertyson.co.uk

 

[Stuart83]

Many moons ago (i.e. the 80s and 90s) I was into hifi and over the years bought various separates. I've not listened to music via my hifi half as much as I used to and I'm thinking I should consider something more suited to today's streaming services (Tidal in particular). My current system comprises:

Audiolab 8000A integrated amp (1992)
Meridian 508 20-bit CD player (1997)
Quad 12L speakers (2007 - I think)

I also own an Astell & Kern KANN which I bought on something of a whim in 2019 but I've barely used it.

I could probably do with buying a new amp anyway as it had a bit of a flakey turn recently as nothing was coming out of the right speaker channel. I took the top off the amp and used some compressed air on the inner speaker terminals and that seems to have done the trick although it could be that just the act of opening up the case might've been sufficient to remedy a faulty connection.

Anyway, I'd like a fairly simple system as my days of obsessive tinkering are behind me - I can't be a**ed tbh!! So, would it be a good idea to go with an integrated amp/streamer? I know they're not for the purists but I honestly don't mind. I think some of the aforementioned also include a CD player but I don't know if that would sacrifice too much sound quality. My Meridian was good in its day but I don't know how it would hold up against modern CD players.

I don't mind spending about £2K to £3K overall (I shall probably keep the speakers) but don't want to waste money on having something 'tasty' if something cheaper would get the job done just as well.

If you have any specific or general suggestions or observations I'd be very pleased to hear them.

Thanks guys. 🙂

My original plan was to simply upgrade to newer streaming based hifi from a clean sweep of budget 1991/4 award winners, indeed it was one of my first posts on this forum 😊
I instead built another completely different system and it awoken my hifi big again but in the interests of your post I won't digress.

What I learnt despite hearing mixed accounts was not much has changed, it's a hotbed of contention commenting on this but older quality hifi seems to be better built speaking from my personal first hand experiences without other people's suppositions to cloud my view, I suppose you could put that down to them being more technology laden yet one of the things that arrived faulty to me was speakers so maybe not 🤷
Holistically I've had very little in the way of faults with my older gear (a few worn parts etc) yet in two yrs 3 faulty modern hifi separates.
To give balance the prior mentioned 91/94 system at 33yrs only suffered an amps dirty source selector and a CDP's perished edject cog, both repaired easily and remain both in use in a more vintage setup.

That is where I learned that if your happy with how your system sounds then simply updating your existing hifi with a "Separate streamer with Bluetooth" for the convenience of both phone connectivity and TVs is enough.
Your CD player for instance seems more than good enough to me as is, I demoed all sorts to update from a 1993 Marantz CD 52 MK2 owning a few others Inbetween only to finally settle on the same brand again in the CD-60 which like all the others (and I tried all kinds up to 1200) only gave a very subtle improvement but brought in the modern touches in a USB port etc.

Reading through your equipment list and both having an older Audiolab in the past and only just demoing the newer one I'm not sure your going to get much of a sonic improvement by starting from scratch and replacing everything anew within budget.
You point to your amp as a possible weak link in which it's entirely possible given their nature it's old enough now to be more prone to other age related faults yet that certainly doesn't mean it will.
I've got two amps of a similar age and one a yr older than yours which only needed the source selector cleaning (with deoxit) and a new power indicator light soldering in which wasn't essential.

If your looking into one box solutions as I did then there's too many to list and as I've learned people's tastes are too different to suggest particular models over another.

Demo's are the ideal if possible to whittle through whatever interests you.
A trip to richer sounds or the like would be a great start (I could of just wrote that as it's probably the most useful info in my post but I'm never the one to meaningfully come across flippant)

I'd recommend personally the new arcams but again I dont know your preferences as I only comment on what Ive heard and they sound very good to me.
I also own an older Arcam sa30 streaming amp (which I got after the firmware problems were ironed out and really liked it ever since)
It's never missed a beat pardon the pun driving QA 3050I's.

There's plenty of cheaper options out there though, when taking price into consideration I found the wiim ultra sounded good for instance.

We've tested the WiiM Ultra music streamer and its versatility, design and performance for the money has won us over

Is WiiM on to another winner?

www.whathifi.com

 

[plastic penguin]

Many moons ago (i.e. the 80s and 90s) I was into hifi and over the years bought various separates. I've not listened to music via my hifi half as much as I used to and I'm thinking I should consider something more suited to today's streaming services (Tidal in particular). My current system comprises:

Audiolab 8000A integrated amp (1992)
Meridian 508 20-bit CD player (1997)
Quad 12L speakers (2007 - I think)

I also own an Astell & Kern KANN which I bought on something of a whim in 2019 but I've barely used it.

I could probably do with buying a new amp anyway as it had a bit of a flakey turn recently as nothing was coming out of the right speaker channel. I took the top off the amp and used some compressed air on the inner speaker terminals and that seems to have done the trick although it could be that just the act of opening up the case might've been sufficient to remedy a faulty connection.

Anyway, I'd like a fairly simple system as my days of obsessive tinkering are behind me - I can't be a**ed tbh!! So, would it be a good idea to go with an integrated amp/streamer? I know they're not for the purists but I honestly don't mind. I think some of the aforementioned also include a CD player but I don't know if that would sacrifice too much sound quality. My Meridian was good in its day but I don't know how it would hold up against modern CD players.

I don't mind spending about £2K to £3K overall (I shall probably keep the speakers) but don't want to waste money on having something 'tasty' if something cheaper would get the job done just as well.

If you have any specific or general suggestions or observations I'd be very pleased to hear them.

Thanks guys. 🙂

The choice is endless. As a budget offering Marantz 70s Network streamer is a good place to start right up to Leema Quasar for high end example. I would leave the source and speakers alone unless they are faulty.

But really go to a reputable dealer and start shaking a stick, you are bound to land on an amp/streamer such as the two mentioned above.

Marantz Stereo 70s (Silver/Gold)

Shop for Marantz Stereo 70s (Silver/Gold) Network Stereo Receiver with Richer Sounds for expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

Leema Acoustics Quasar Amplifier / DAC / Streamer | Unilet Sound & Vision

Leema Acoustics Quasar Amp / DAC / Streamer, available at Unilet Sound & Vision in New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4BY. Official Leema dealer. Established 1969.

unilet.net

 

[twinkletoes]

If it where me personally id still buy a "dumb" amp and then add a dac/streamer to it like a Blusound icon.

But Id add moon to the list if you want a streaming all in one.

but as mentioned options are endless really.

 

[LindaLooUK]

Wow! Thanks very much for all your helpful and extensive responses - you've given me some great food for thought. It's really kind of you and much appreciated.

I'd quite like to buy British (or European) if possible as I've always rated our own brands highly. I gather much of the Audiolab kit is made in China now which is rather sad but inevitable I guess these days. When I opened up my old amp I was so impressed with the quality of workmanship and components inside. I'm willing to bet that Audiolab's new hi-fi won't last as long as mine has. It's also good to hear that you still rate the Meridian as it's still doing an excellent job as far as I can tell and was top-notch in its day.

I remember Arcam from 'back in the day' so I'll be sure to check them out again. I haven't come across Hegel, Primare, Bluesound or Wiim before so I've got plenty of homework to do. As you say though, a trip to Sevenoaks or Richer Sounds is probably in order so that I can see some of these brands in person. I got much of my hi-fi from PJ Hi-Fi in Guildford but they're more into high-end theatre sound systems now so I think I'll give them a pass - I'm a bit of a peasant by comparison to their usual clientele! 😛

I'm off to break the internet...

Thanks again. 😍

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

My ultimate £3000 ish system. It will blow the doors off and sound absolutely phenomenal Fiordland hours of enjoyable listening……:

British built. Naim NAIT 50 (DNA selling at £1300ish reduced from £2699). Epic performing amp and sounds as good if not better than the SuperNAIT 3.
BLUESOUND NODE ICON. Sounds magnificent out the box and can be outfitted with DIRAC if needed. Mine outperforms my EXN100. £750ish on 7oaks if you haggle.
British built. AlChris Audio TX1 or TX5 depending on room size. £1250 ish.

Factor in some speaker stands, my preference SolidSteel SS6 or British built Custom Designs.

Bit over budget but amazing ability and performance.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

7 oaks may well be able to do a bundle deal on the Nait50 and Node icon. I’d haggle !

 

[plastic penguin]

Wow! Thanks very much for all your helpful and extensive responses - you've given me some great food for thought. It's really kind of you and much appreciated.

I'd quite like to buy British (or European) if possible as I've always rated our own brands highly. I gather much of the Audiolab kit is made in China now which is rather sad but inevitable I guess these days. When I opened up my old amp I was so impressed with the quality of workmanship and components inside. I'm willing to bet that Audiolab's new hi-fi won't last as long as mine has. It's also good to hear that you still rate the Meridian as it's still doing an excellent job as far as I can tell and was top-notch in its day.

I remember Arcam from 'back in the day' so I'll be sure to check them out again. I haven't come across Hegel, Primare, Bluesound or Wiim before so I've got plenty of homework to do. As you say though, a trip to Sevenoaks or Richer Sounds is probably in order so that I can see some of these brands in person. I got much of my hi-fi from PJ Hi-Fi in Guildford but they're more into high-end theatre sound systems now so I think I'll give them a pass - I'm a bit of a peasant by comparison to their usual clientele! 😛

I'm off to break the internet...

Thanks again. 😍

If you live in or around the Guildford area (as I do) it's worth a trip up the A3 to New Malden to Unilet. They stock a good range of amps & streamers, incl Leema range.

Or a trip to Infidelity Hi-fi in Hampton Wick. I've also used these guys a number of times over the years.

Infidelity | Hi-Fi Home Cinema and Home Automation Experts - Kingston West London

Infidelity - one of the friendliest independent specialist retailers of home entertainment systems anywhere. We offer the best in HiFi, Home Cinema and Custom Installation at budgets to suit any music or film enthusiast.

www.infidelity.co.uk

 

[matthewpianist]

Firstly, having owned a Audiolab Omnia, I wouldn't recommend it. It's not a bad product as such, but the amplification is fairly weedy, and the integrated streaming isn't up to a lot. I had to plug a WiiM streamer in to enjoy reliable service, which defeats the point of a one-box solution. Once the novelty of a nicely made and attractive unit wore off, I had to move on from the Omnia.

There are some good suggestions ahead, and Hegel would certainly be one of mine were I in the same position. Partnered with Amphion speakers, they produce a beautifully natural and engaging sound.

The Nait 50 is also a great suggestion. It's high performing and compact, and with a small streamer (I would personally opt for the WiiM Ultra over the Node Icon) and some good stand mount speakers (or Neat iotas if you want something even more flexible), you'll have a great system.

Alternatively, look at Project electronics. Your budget will get you towards the top end of their range. Everything is nice and compact, and very capable, and they make an excellent CD player as well as amplification. Add a WiiM or Node, and you'll have a great solution.

Finally Exposure's XM series is another very strong option, again with one of the external streamers.

Hope this helps.

 

[LindaLooUK]

Thanks for the extra suggestions guys. 👍
Dumb question: The Naim NAIT 50 doesn't have any RCA phono inputs just an Aux DIN which I thought was something that was used in the dark ages!!! (i.e. 70s) I presume I'd need to get a good quality RCA phono (from Meridian CD) to DIN cable if that's even a thing? Just seems surprising to me. Or are DIN plugs a thing now?

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for the extra suggestions guys. 👍
Dumb question: The Naim NAIT 50 doesn't have any RCA phono inputs just an Aux DIN which I thought was something that was used in the dark ages!!! (i.e. 70s) I presume I'd need to get a good quality RCA phono (from Meridian CD) to DIN cable if that's even a thing? Just seems surprising to me. Or are DIN plugs a thing now?

DIN plugs went out a good while ago on most devices.
Yes you can still get din to phono adapters.
Does your NAIT also have another DIN connection as an input?

 

[LindaLooUK]

Yes, it has another DIN for a streaming device and conventional (MM) phono inputs for a turntable. I'm considering other amps as well as I'm not a fan of using adapter cables. I currently have a couple of nice chunky Audioquest RCAs going from my Meridian to the Audiolab.

 

[Jasonovich]

Thanks for the extra suggestions guys. 👍
Dumb question: The Naim NAIT 50 doesn't have any RCA phono inputs just an Aux DIN which I thought was something that was used in the dark ages!!! (i.e. 70s) I presume I'd need to get a good quality RCA phono (from Meridian CD) to DIN cable if that's even a thing? Just seems surprising to me. Or are DIN plugs a thing now?

These are bespoke NAIM Dins. You also have universal 3 pin balanced Dins XLRs for speaker outputs, mostly for professional setups.
XLRs have higher gain than normal RCA. I much prefer them, for their sturdiness and if you're using long cable lengths, these are better suited.

 

[Al ears]

These are bespoke NAIM Dins. You also have universal 3 pin balanced Dins XLRs for speaker outputs, mostly for professional setups.
XLRs have higher gain than normal RCA. I much prefer them, for their sturdiness and if you're using long cable lengths, these are better suited.

That's going to confuse matters. The Naim 5 pin din is necessary and it has to be wired as indicated on back of amp.
The OP was talking about inputs as far as I was aware.

 

[twinkletoes]

Yes, it has another DIN for a streaming device and conventional (MM) phono inputs for a turntable. I'm considering other amps as well as I'm not a fan of using adapter cables. I currently have a couple of nice chunky Audioquest RCAs going from my Meridian to the Audiolab.

You just ask chord cables for example to terminate with a 5 pin din connector, it’s not converted it’s a proper connector and properly terminated. I have one going from my dac to the amp (nait 50). The phono stage are rca’s as “normal”